Kiffin provides few answers for Trojans’ offensive woes

If you wanted answers regarding USC’s offensive woes, there were few in sight Sunday as Trojans coach Lane Kiffin reflected on the Trojans’ struggles against Utah State.

USC (3-1) started the day ranked 113th nationally in the new NCAA stats on third-down conversions (28 percent) and with just one offensive touchdown in its past seven third quarters of football.

“That’s not a good stat; we’ve not done well in the third quarter for some reason,” Kiffin said. “For whatever reason, in the second and fourth quarters we do better on offense.”

Kiffin said USC is “inconsistent on third downs,” which is an understatement.

“Some freak things happen, too,” he said. “We dropped a snap on the Wildcat (formation) for the first time (against Utah State) and we’ve been inconsistent in our passing game.”

One could argue USC’s only consistency on offense is inconsistency.

No up-tempo

One way to score points is to run a spread or up-tempo offense, but Kiffin said this is impractical for USC because of NCAA scholarship limitations.

“We’re not in the same position as everyone else to go up-tempo with the scholarship situation,” Kiffin said.

He added USC’s defense could not handle the stress of going 85-90 plays with its limited roster.

“It’s very different to go up-tempo with our scholarship situation,” Kiffin said.

Follow the plan

A questionable series for USC occurred in the second half after Utah State failed on a fake punt to give the Trojans the ball at the Aggies’ 34-yard line. USC tried three straight passes, which all fell incomplete.

Tailback Tre Madden was asked if he was surprised by the plays called.

“That’s what the call was,” Madden said. “We just listen to the call and execute.”

Kessler, Lee fine

On Kessler’s sore hand, Kiffin said, “You do see a difference (against Utah State) after it happened with his accuracy.”

Kessler completed only 13 of 27 passes for 164 yards and one touchdown.

“I was not necessarily frustrated with how I played,” Kessler said. “But it’s not good enough to just win. You have to get better and improve.

“Everyone can’t expect us to be perfect. It was an old-fashioned smash-mouth game.”

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Offensive line scrutiny

Like the rest of the offense, the line received criticism after the Utah State game and Kiffin also lamented its play.

“We’re not playing great,” he said. “We’re making too many mistakes up front.”

Kiffin defended left tackle Chad Wheeler, who gave up a sack that led to Kessler fumbling right before halftime.

“He just had a war on his hands (Saturday),” Kiffin said. ``A lot of times he held his own.’’

ASU kickoff set

USC’s game at Arizona State on Saturday will start at 7:30 p.m. (PT) and be televised on ESPN2.

No Redd update

It remains a mystery if tailback Silas Redd (knee) returns this week. Redd attended practices last week but did not wear football cleats. Wide receiver Darreus Rogers (ankle) is expected to miss the Arizona State game.